Bachelor of Mathematics (Data Science)

Data scientists are in increasing demand1 as more and more organisations seek to analyse and interpret vast amounts of data and make sure it is used in intelligent, valuable ways.

This degree is designed to produce job-ready graduates to meet this industry need, and to fill the growing range of work opportunities in the market.

Successful maths and data scientists draw on skills from a range of complementary disciplines, so this degree offers a balanced mix of mathematics, information technology and data science.

In your final year you’ll complete an industry-based project to experience real-world challenges and gain workplace experience.

You will graduate ready to work in a data science role in industry or the public sector.

Because data science is also a tool that supports research across an increasing range of disciplines, you could also choose to continue with a Bachelor of Applied Science (Honours) (Industrial and Applied Mathematics), a Bachelor of Information Technology (Honours), a Master of Data Science or eventually a PhD.

Flexible study opportunities are available, you can study full-time or part-time, and some courses are available online.

If you think you might be interested in secondary school teaching, you can apply for the Bachelor of Mathematics (Data Science)/Master of Teaching (Secondary) - it's a direct pathway into postgraduate study.

If you would like to apply directly into the Bachelor of Mathematics (Data Science)/Master of Teaching (Secondary) package option, please apply via SATAC using 434221.

1 McKinsey Global Institute.

The Age of Analytics:

Competing in a data-driven world, Dec 2016

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.

Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.

Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:

Recent secondary education Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent AND

• Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
• Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
• Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points

Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.

Recent secondary education ATAR profile

OR Higher education study

• Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
• Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above

OR Vocational Education and Training (VET)

• Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate IV or above

OR Work and life experience

• Qualify for Special Entry, or
• Complete a UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
• Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past

Essential requirements for admission

Prerequisites

Assumed Knowledge

Deferment

This degree is available for deferment. This option is made available by responding to your offer during the application process via the SATAC website. Applicants who receive an offer into a midyear degree are eligible to defer for six months.

In first year you’ll study core subjects in maths and IT. You will focus on building your mathematical and programming skills with courses that include calculus, statistical methods, fundamentals of programming, and databases.

You will then move into your applied data science studies. You’ll study cross-disciplinary areas such as web development, data structures and mathematical communication, and mathematical modelling.

In third year you’ll combine study and hands-on experience with courses in programming and networking, project management, and analytics. You will also complete an ICT industry-based project to strengthen your abilities in research, analysis, and interpretation of data.

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects and contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12 – 26 hours of study when at university and 14 – 28 hours of independent study per week.

Your studies at UniSA will incorporate both practical, professionally-focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

UniSA collaborates with over 2,500 companies worldwide – so you’ll have plenty of chances to get hands-on experience and make industry connections. Many of our graduates have been employed through work placements or internships.

We also host regular University-wide employee master classes and employment expos, and alumni events in Australia and overseas.

Your career

The field of data science field is evolving at a rapid rate. It will continue to grow as savvy business leaders integrate analytics into every facet of their organisations. Analytics, maths, science, data, and reasoning are becoming embedded into decision-making processes, every day and everywhere in the business world1.

Careers to consider:

• big data visualiser: using visualisation software to analyse data, drawing implications and communicating findings; providing input on database requirements for reporting/analytics; acquiring, managing and documenting data (e.g. geo-spatial); creating visualisations from data or GIS data analysis
• data scientist: understanding interfaces, data migrations, big data and databases; taking the lead in processing raw data and determining the best types of analysis; mining large volumes of data to understand user behaviours and interactions; communicating data findings to IT leadership and business leaders to promote innovation
• big data researcher: extracting data from relational databases; manipulating and exploring data using quantitative, statistical and visualisation tools; selecting appropriate modelling techniques so predictive models are developed using rigorous statistical processes; maintaining effective processes for validating and updating predictive models
• data miner: collecting data from numerous databases; helping businesses to make decisions about how data should be analysed in areas such as expenses, profitability, and for other important business decisions

If you think you might be interested in secondary school teaching, you can apply for the Bachelor of Mathematics (Data Science)/Master of Teaching (Secondary), it’s a direct pathway into postgraduate study.

1 Deloitte analytics trends 2016

To apply:

• go to the top of this page and make note of the relevant SATAC code*, then click Apply
• you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application

*There are two SATAC codes – one for this degree, and one for this degree packaged with the Master of Teaching. You can apply to study this degree on its own. However if you already know you would like to combine it with a Master of Teaching, you can apply for both together.

Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and loads more.

Adelaide has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation or private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages for plenty of options. If you need somewhere to live, our new student accommodation by urbanest is on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal perfect location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Our student support services will make your life at university easier. We want you to be successful, and if you need help, we're here to assist. We provide a full range of support services, including:

• academic counselling
• personal counselling
• social support services, including family support and nearby childcare

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with advanced facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments.